Port Hope Police Service is receiving nearly $230,000 in provincial funding to strengthen its efforts to prevent vehicle theft and investigate related criminal activity.
The Ontario government has announced an investment of $229,580.92 through its Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant Program, aimed at providing police with additional tools and resources to address auto theft.
Northumberland–Peterborough South MPP David Piccini says the funding will support local officers as they work to protect residents and disrupt criminal activity.
“Our government is committed to giving police the tools and resources they need to combat auto theft and keep our communities safe,” said Piccini. “I am proud to see this investment supporting the work of Chief Farquharson and the Port Hope Police Service as they continue to prevent auto theft, disrupt criminal activity, and protect our residents.”
The funding is part of an additional $6-million provincial investment for 2026-27, supporting 22 police projects across Ontario.
Since the program launched in 2023, the province says it has committed $24 million to auto theft prevention initiatives.
According to the government, vehicle thefts across Ontario have declined 36 per cent from their peak in 2023.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner says the province intends to maintain that progress by supporting police services investigating organized vehicle theft.
“While we are seeing real progress, we will not let up,” said Kerzner.
Port Hope Police Chief Farquharson says smaller communities are not immune to vehicle theft or the criminal activity associated with it.
“Crime has no geographical boundaries, and we recognize the influence of broader regional trends, including those originating in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as crimes of opportunity involving stolen vehicles.”
The chief says the renewed grant will help the service strengthen local prevention efforts, support investigations and educate residents about protecting their vehicles.
The funding is also intended to help police respond to related public safety concerns, including violent crime connected to vehicle theft.
“Auto theft is not just a big-city issue; it is a concern for communities of every size,” Farquharson said.
The announcement did not provide a breakdown of specific equipment purchases or initiatives to be funded through Port Hope’s allocation.
